jeudi 22 novembre 2018

Understanding Stigmata Catholic Priest And Saints

By Brenda Brown


Saint Pio has often been considered one of the greatest saints of all time among Catholic priests and worshipers. For, while there have been saints known for healing, reading souls and levitation, there have been few whom bore the sign of the stigmata. While this is the case, Saint Pio Pedro Of Pietrelcina bore the Stigmata Catholic Priest from which he was made a saint proudly. For, the natural scars represented by the religious symbol are considered the Holy Wounds Of Christ.

Individuals experiencing this phenomena often experience manifestations of wounds, scars and pain like those which effected Jesus during the crucifixion. Whereas, there have also been cases in which permanent scars appear in corresponding locations to those Christ experienced on the cross. In either case, the symbol is considered the Holy Wounds Of Jesus.

Most of those bearing the Holy Wounds of Christ are members of the Catholic church or some religious order. When it comes to the history behind the symbol, Saint Francis of Assisi was the first recorded stigmatic in the history of Christianity to display symptoms. After which, St. Pio reported stigmata which were later studied by several 20th century doctors, all of whom had no explanation as to how or what caused the religious symbol to appear.

While not widely known, most stigmatics are women. In the book, Stigmata: A Medieval Phenomenon in A Modern Age, author Ted Harrison provides that there is no evidence of any single mechanism whereby the symbol could be produced. The most important aspect of the phenomenon is that it is a religious symbol associated with the Catholic faith. While this is the case, most of these type experiences have been defied or debunked as being nothing more than magic or trickery.

Saint Pio was akin to the Apostle Paul in that the saint made apostolic work, in and outside the Catholic church a priority. In addition, like Paul, Pio garnered wisdom, glory and strength through this work. In fact, like Jesus and Paul, Pio made great sacrifices in an attempt to save the world through good news and good works while always proclaiming Jesus, as ultimate Lord and Savior.

A follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, Pio was born in 1887 at Pietrelcina. Being the son of Grazio Forigone and Maria Giuseppa De Nunzio, the saint was baptized one day after birth and given the name Francesco. Then, when 12 years of age, Francesco received the Sacrament of Confirmation and participated in Holy Communion. After which, Francesco became a member of the Catholic church, participating in all Holy Sacraments.

After entering the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars at Morcone, the saint accepted the Franciscan habit and the name Brother Pio. After which, Pio took vows to become a priest. Upon ordination as a priest, health issues required Pio to stay home with family until 1916. During this time, Pio reflected largely on the good works which had been accomplished and enjoyed time spent with family and friends.

Stigmatics are often described as ecstatics and participate in ecstatic dance and various forms of spiritual mediation. For, many are often overwhelmed with emotions upon receiving the Holy Wounds of Christ. In some cases, individuals may need to see a psychiatrist or psychologist to obtain help in dealing with the various symptoms which the phenomena can often present without warning.




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